Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Strong Work Ethic: Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what? Will you be conscientious and do your best work?

Positive Attitude: Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and good will?

Good Communication Skills: Are you both verbally articulate and a good listener? Can you make your case and express your needs in a way that builds bridges with colleagues, customers and vendors?

Time Management Abilities: Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you use your time on the job wisely?

Problem-Solving Skills: Are you resourceful and able to creatively solve problems that will inevitably arise? Will you take ownership of problems or leave them for someone else?

Acting as a Team Player: Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate?

Self-Confidence: Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you project a sense of calm and inspire confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas?

Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism: Will you be able to handle criticism? Are you coachable and open to learning and growing as a person and as a professional?

Flexibility/Adaptability: Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas?

Working Well Under Pressure: Can you handle the stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to do your best work and come through in a pinch?

-----------------List 2

1- Have a "winner" attitude An overall positive outlook leads to an overall positive attitude, and that can be a valuable asset in work environments that typically breed cynicism and negativity.

The key to having a winning attitude is in how you tackle obstacles and challenges that come your way.

2- Be a team playerEmployers love an employee who displays the ability to work well in groups and teams. Being a team player means not only being cooperative, but also displaying strong leadership ability when it's appropriate.

The next time a conflict arises within your team, take the initiative to mediate. When you find your team getting stuck in a project, take the lead to move things forward.

Many small things you already do -- things you probably don't even think about -- have a big impact on your communication skills. Here are some things you should be wary of when communicating with others:

Make good eye contact Don't fidget Avoid body movements that cut you off from others, like folding your arms Don't talk for the sake of talking; always have a point Enunciate your words properly Hone your grammar skills with a good reference or style manual

In general, you should become more aware of both the verbal and nonverbal cues you give off to others.

Also remember that one of the keys to being a good communicator is being a good listener.

4- Exude confidenceIn almost every situation where you're trying to impress another person, confidence is key. While it's important to accept your limitations and act humble when you receive praise, it's also important to acknowledge your strengths and embrace them.

Make sure you have the knowledge and skills to back up your confidence. If you act confident in some of your job responsibilities -- like your written communication, project management skills or leadership abilities -- make sure that it's based on genuine, positive reinforcement.

5- Hone your creative skillsCreativity and imaginative thinking are valued in any job. Even the most technical positions require the ability to think outside the box. So never underestimate the power of innovative problem solving.

6- Accept & learn from criticism This is one of the most challenging soft skills, which is why it's typically one of the most impressive to employers. Your ability to handle criticism says a lot about your willingness to improve. And being able to criticize the work of others constructively is just as important.

Be aware of how defensive you get in reaction to negative feedback. Never reject a piece of constructive criticism completely without acknowledging that at least part of it is helpful. And when you dish out criticism, make sure it's done diplomatically. Try to anticipate how the person you're criticizing will react based on his personality, and shape the way you criticize him accordingly.

7- Motivate yourself & lead othersIt's important for an employer to know that you're a self-starter who takes initiative. This means constantly seeking out new ways to keep your job interesting and motivational, even if it at the surface it seems repetitive and mundane.

Have the courage to pursue those ideas you've had stuck in the back of your mind, and have the dedication to follow through with them and be successful. Pilot others in the same direction to work towards a common goal. Remember that a good leader leads by example.

8- Multitask & prioritize your to-do listIn today's workplace, a good employee is expected to be able to shuffle several different assignments and projects at once. Are you good at tracking the progress of different projects you've been handed to work on? Do you know how to prioritize what's most important? These are the keys to being a good multitasker.

Don't be afraid to take on new tasks. Show off your multitasking skills by taking on projects that fall all over the spectrum. Branch out beyond your direct responsibilities, and be sure to report on the progress of projects regularly.

9- See the big pictureLooking at the larger picture in your work means being able to see the determining factors of success. It also means recognizing a risk that's worth taking, and knowing when to take it.----------------List 3

Goleman (of Emotional Intelligence Concept) groups the skills that he and others have identified into four clusters, two each for personal competence and social competence. His framework is a convenient way to identify kinds of soft skills and to develop programs for improving them.

The Social Competence Cluster for Social Awareness includes empathy, service orientation, and organizational awareness. The Relationship Management Cluster includes developing others, influence, communication, conflict management, leadership, change catalyst, and building bonds.